10 things Americans typically do on New Year's Day 2025
New Year's Day is a special time for celebration, reflection, and setting intentions for the year ahead. Here are 10 detailed things that Americans typically do on New Year's Day 2025, including some interesting facts and figures.
1. Watch the Rose Parade
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One of the most beloved traditions on New Year's Day is watching the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. This event features elaborate floats made entirely of flowers, as well as marching bands and equestrian units. The parade has been a tradition since 1890 and attracts millions of viewers both in person and on television. In 2024, over 700,000 people attended the parade in person, while millions more watched it on TV. The 2025 parade is expected to feature over 40 floats, 20 marching bands, and 15 equestrian units.
2. Make New Year's Resolutions
Many Americans start the new year by setting resolutions aimed at improving their lives. Common resolutions include exercising more, eating healthier, saving money, and spending more time with family and friends. According to a 2024 survey, approximately 40% of Americans make New Year's resolutions each year. However, only about 8% are successful in achieving their resolutions. Popular apps like Strava have reported a significant increase in new users in January as people try to stick to their fitness goals.
3. Attend or Watch College Football Bowl Games
New Year's Day is synonymous with college football, featuring several high-profile bowl games. Fans flock to stadiums or tune in on TV to watch games such as the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Citrus Bowl. The Rose Bowl, known as "The Granddaddy of Them All," has been held annually since 1902 and is one of the most-watched bowl games. In 2024, the Rose Bowl attracted over 16 million viewers. The 2025 lineup promises to be just as exciting, with top college teams competing for glory.
4. Host or Attend New Year's Day Brunch
After a night of celebrations, many Americans gather with family and friends for a New Year's Day brunch. Popular brunch items include eggs Benedict, pancakes, mimosas, and Bloody Marys. Brunch provides a relaxed setting to catch up and reflect on the past year. According to a 2024 survey, 34% of Americans participate in a New Year's Day brunch. Restaurants across the country often offer special brunch menus to cater to the demand.
5. Take Part in Polar Bear Plunges
For the adventurous, participating in a polar bear plunge is a popular New Year's Day activity. Brave souls take a dip in icy waters to raise money for charity. Events are held across the country, from Coney Island in New York to Lake Washington in Seattle. The largest plunge, in New Year's Day tradition, attracts thousands of participants and spectators. In 2024, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club's event raised over $150,000 for local charities.
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6. Enjoy a New Year's Day Hike
Many Americans kick off the year by embracing the great outdoors with a hike. National and state parks often see an influx of visitors on New Year's Day, as people take advantage of the holiday to enjoy nature and set a healthy tone for the year. Some parks even offer guided First Day Hikes to encourage outdoor activities. In 2024, over 70,000 people participated in First Day Hikes across the United States, covering a total of 160,000 miles.
7. Reflect and Set Goals
Beyond resolutions, New Year's Day is a time for reflection and goal-setting. People take the opportunity to think about their achievements, challenges, and aspirations. Journaling, vision board creation, and discussions with loved ones are common practices to set a positive and purposeful direction for the year ahead. According to a survey conducted by the University of Scranton, 45% of Americans engage in goal-setting activities on New Year's Day.
8. Watch Fireworks
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Although fireworks are typically associated with New Year's Eve, many cities continue the celebration with displays on New Year's Day. These displays bring communities together to welcome the new year with spectacular light shows. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Las Vegas are known for their impressive fireworks displays. In 2024, New York City's New Year's Day fireworks show drew an estimated 1 million spectators.
9. Clean and Organize
For some, the new year signifies a fresh start, making it the perfect time to clean and organize their living spaces. Decluttering, deep cleaning, and organizing closets and storage areas help people feel more prepared and motivated for the year ahead. It's also a way to create a sense of order and tranquility after the holiday season. According to a 2024 survey by the National Association of Professional Organizers, 31% of Americans engage in some form of cleaning and organizing on New Year's Day.
10. Spend Time with Loved Ones
Finally, New Year's Day is a time to relax and spend quality time with family and friends. Whether it's watching movies, playing board games, or simply enjoying each other's company, this day is often about strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. According to a 2024 survey by the American Psychological Association, 67% of Americans spend New Year's Day with family and close friends, emphasizing the importance of social connections.
Additional Details and Statistics
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Rose Parade: Over 5,000 volunteers work tirelessly to create the stunning flower-covered floats.
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New Year's Resolutions: Fitness goals remain the most popular, with 55% of resolutions related to health and exercise.
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College Football Bowl Games: The Sugar Bowl in 2024 had an economic impact of $150 million for the city of New Orleans.
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Polar Bear Plunges: The largest plunge event in Lake George, New York, saw 1,200 participants in 2024.
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New Year's Day Hike: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosted a record 2,500 hikers for its First Day Hike in 2024.
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Fireworks: The San Francisco Bay Area's fireworks display uses over 10,000 pyrotechnic effects, lasting 15 minutes.
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Cleaning and Organizing: The trend of "minimalism" has influenced 28% of Americans to declutter their homes at the start of the new year.
New Year's Day in America is a blend of time-honored traditions, personal reflection, and community engagement. From spectacular parades and thrilling football games to intimate family gatherings and outdoor adventures, these activities help set the tone for a promising year ahead.
By incorporating these practices, Americans embrace the fresh start that New Year's Day represents, while also honoring the past and looking forward to future achievements and experiences. Whether it's through reflection, goal-setting, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, the first day of the year is filled with hope and optimism, setting a positive foundation for the months to come.
